A transport chief has hit out at plans to raise bus fares in Huddersfield and the rest of West Yorkshire.

Responding to news that bus operator First will be raising West Yorkshire fares in the New Year, Combined Authority Transport Committee chairman Clr James Lewis said he was “disappointed”.

He said: “It is disappointing that at a time when people are seeing widespread media reports of fuel prices dropping significantly, First has taken the decision to introduce this increase in fares that many people already consider expensive.

“People had been contacting me asking when fares were going to drop in line with falling oil prices and I have had to tell them that the current framework, under which buses outside London are run in this country, the Combined Authority has no say on these decisions.

“While I understand bus companies buy fuel at fixed, hedged prices, I am sure that West Yorkshire’s bus users will join me in calling for a commitment from First to reduce its fares in the future, when it starts to benefit from the current in cost.”

Most single fares will rise by 10p from January 4 and there are also increases in bus pass fees.